The Transformative Power of Insects: Josh Galt on Regenerative Agriculture and Sustainability
In this insightful episode of The Sustainiacs, host Michael Vincent sits down with Josh Galt, an entrepreneur and insect industry pioneer, to explore how insects—particularly Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)—are revolutionizing agriculture, waste management, and regenerative ecosystems. From the science behind insect farming to its social and environmental impacts, Josh takes listeners on a journey that redefines how we approach sustainability.
From Crickets to Black Soldier Fly Larvae: A Journey of Discovery
Josh’s introduction to the world of insects began in Asia, where eating bugs is a cultural norm. Initially reluctant, he became an advocate after learning about their nutrition and sustainability. Starting with crickets, Josh worked on projects to promote insect farming as a livelihood for rural communities, particularly in Cambodia. However, he quickly realized that BSFL offered unparalleled potential due to their ability to thrive on more varied organic waste streams, and their versatility as animal feed and fertilizer.
Why Black Soldier Fly Larvae Are Game-Changers
Unlike crickets, which require specific diets and are more suited for niche human consumption, BSFL can process nearly any organic waste—from vegetable scraps to brewery byproducts. Josh highlighted their incredible feed conversion ratio: for every eight tons of waste, one ton of live larvae is produced. When dried and processed, this yields about 300 kilograms of nutrient-dense protein powder or oil. The larvae are not only an excellent feed for animals like chickens and fish but also a key ingredient in organic fertilizers that rejuvenate soil health.
Tackling Global Food Waste with Insects
Josh explained how BSFL farming can address one of the world’s largest environmental issues—food waste. With nearly a third of global food wasted, much of it upstream in supply chains, BSFL offers a sustainable solution. By consuming this waste, they transform it into high-value products, reducing landfill pressure and replacing resource-intensive feed ingredients like fishmeal and soymeal.
One compelling example Josh shared involved a potato chip factory. The company’s leftover potato peels became the perfect substrate for BSFL, turning waste into profit while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Empowering Smallholder Farmers and Building Ecosystems
Josh’s passion for regenerative agriculture shines through in his work with smallholder farmers. In Mexico, he has collaborated with coffee farmers and beekeepers to integrate BSFL-derived fertilizers into their practices. This approach improves soil quality, boosts crop yields, and strengthens local ecosystems. Beekeepers benefit from healthier plants that produce better pollen, leading to higher-quality honey and other bee products.
One of Josh’s most inspiring stories involved a Cambodian woman who left her grueling factory job to farm crickets. With the help of Josh’s team, she doubled her income and gained more time with her children, proving that insect farming can uplift communities while promoting sustainability.
The Duality of Insect Farming: Industrial and Grassroots
The adaptability of insect farming is one of its greatest strengths. Josh described two primary approaches: high-tech, industrial setups in regions like Europe, featuring robotics and vertical farming, and simpler systems in tropical countries, where open-air “tent and pond” setups are used. Both methods have their merits, but the latter aligns closely with Josh’s vision of empowering local farmers and addressing regional challenges.
He also highlighted the emerging trend of container-based insect farming, where modular systems allow for scalable, localized production. These innovations make insect farming accessible to a wider range of stakeholders, from industrial producers to homesteaders.
Beyond Profit: A Vision for Regenerative Agriculture
For Josh, the goal isn’t just financial success—it’s creating systems that benefit people and the planet. By placing BSFL at the heart of regenerative agriculture, he envisions a future where waste becomes a resource, soil is healed, and smallholder farmers thrive. This holistic approach focuses on long-term impact rather than short-term profits, aligning with true Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values.
Industrial Innovation Meets Grassroots Solutions
The conversation underscored a simple yet profound truth: nature already has solutions to many of our problems. By embracing insects as a sustainable resource, we can tackle food waste, reduce our reliance on chemical fertilizers, and create more resilient agricultural systems.
The discussion also touched on the evolving nature of insect farming. In developed countries, insect farming facilities often use advanced vertical farming techniques and robotics.
Meanwhile, in tropical regions like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia, simpler systems like “tent and pond” setups allow farmers to raise BSFL efficiently using ambient temperatures. This duality showcases the flexibility of insect farming, enabling both large-scale industrial applications and grassroots initiatives.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Josh candidly addressed some of the challenges in promoting insect-based solutions. The idea of eating insects remains culturally taboo in many parts of the world, and the politicization of climate change can create resistance to even discussing such solutions. Despite this, Josh emphasized the need for pragmatic approaches rooted in love for nature rather than fear-driven narratives.
He also explored the scalability of insect farming. While some startups have struggled, the research and innovation generated by the industry have laid a strong foundation for future success. The key lies in balancing profitability with environmental and social impact, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Closing Thoughts: A Vision for the Future
Josh left listeners with a powerful vision: placing insects like BSFL at the heart of a regenerative agricultural ecosystem. By addressing food waste, improving soil health, and supporting smallholder farmers, insect farming has the potential to create sustainable, localized food systems that benefit both people and the planet.
For Josh, the journey isn’t just about turning waste into money—it’s about making a difference. Whether it’s inspiring Millennials with backyard chicken farming or helping smallholder farmers in tropical regions, his mission is clear: to unlock the transformative power of insects for a healthier, more sustainable future.
To learn more about Josh Galt’s work, visit JoshGalt.com or explore his company’s initiatives at UBSoldierFly.com. Whether you’re a backyard chicken farmer or an advocate for sustainable agriculture, this episode of The Sustainiacs is packed with insights and inspiration.